Modular building construction system

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to modular building construction system. In particular, it relates to a system in which a supporting structure and a separate space utilization structure are constructed in modular form, generally off the site, and assembled together on the job during erection of the building.

United States Patent 1191 Georgiev et al. 51 Jan. 23, 1973 15 1 MODULARBUILDING 2,664,740 1/1954 Cochrane .....s2/sa3 CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM3,156,071 11/1962 Van Bij1evelt.. ..52/236 [76] Inventors: Tancho D.Georgiev, 78 Hawthorne Z1370 n 3 Avenue New, Mass- 02166; 3,503,1703/1970 Shelley ..52/236 Filed:

Robert M. Scanzani, 182 Bridge Street, Beverly, Mass. 01914 [22] Oct.16, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 81,486

[52] U.S. Cl. ..52/79, 52/236, 52/251, 52/259 [51] Int. Cl. ..E04b 1/348[58] Field of Search ..52/79, 236, 583; 46/25, 26

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,609,929 10/1971 Brown..52/236 3,613,321 10/1971 Rohrer ..52/79 3,546,792 12/1970 Sherman..52/236 3,514,910 6/1970 Comm ..52/79 OTHER PUBLICATIONS The NewBuilding Block, Quoted from Progressive Architecture October 1964, pages128-137 Primary Examiner-Frank L. Abbott Assistant Examiner-Henry A.Raduazo Attorney-Cesari & McKenna [57] ABSTRACT This invention relatesto modular building construction system. In particular, it relates to asystem in which a supporting structure and a separate space utilizationstructure are constructed in modular form, generally off the site, andassembled together on the job during erection of the building.

16 Claims, 35 Drawing Figures PATENTED M I975 712,008

SHEET UlUF 14 FIG. 1 22 30 j FIG, 2 TANCHO D. GEORGIEV m ROBERT M.SCANZANI /nven/0rs AI/omaya PATENTEBJAH 23 1975 SHEET 'UEUF 14 I m N WN5 GNMKH Am mCw m f G a D M M OT Hm B NW C A v TR H m, pm 5 PATENTEDJAH23 I975 SHEET U3UF 14 FIG. 38

FIG. 3A

FIG. 4

TANCHO 0. GEORGIEV ROBERT M SCANZANI /nven/0r$ By CESAR! 8 McKENNAAf/omeys PATENTEDJAH 23 1975 3,712,008 SHEET sum 14 TANCHO D. GEORGIEV56 ROBERT M. SCANZANI /nven tors By CESARI 8 McKENNA Al/omeysPATENTEDJAH23IB75 3.712.008 SHEET USUF 14 TANCHO D. GEORGIEV ROBERT M.SCANZANI lnvenfors By CESARI 8 McKENNA Attorneys PATENTEB AN 9753.712.008

' SHEET DBUF 14 F IG. l6

TANCHO D. GEORGIEV ROBERT M. SCANZANI By CESARI 8 McKENNA Al/omeysPATENTED JAN 2 3 I975 SHEET O7BF14 TANCHO D. GEORGIEV ROBERT M. SCANZANIlnven/ors By CESAR! 8 McKENNA A ffom eys PATENTEDJAH 23 I975 rs ENNA l 0W G Kn R m PAIENTED JAN 2 3 I975 SHEET USUF 14 v mm M43002 m0 EOkFOmM43002 .0 QOP M43002 m0 EOhPOm TANCHO D. GEORGlEV ROBERT M. SCANZANIMuenfors By CESAR! 8 McKENNA Af/omeys lll PATENTEDJAH23 I975 3,712,008

' sum 10m 14 WWW WW4? TANCHO D. GEORGIEV ROBERT M. SCANZANI /nven10rs ByCESARI 8 McKENNA Afforneys PATENTEDJAH 23 1975 SHEET 110F14 TANCHO D.GEORGIEV By CESAR! a McKENNA AI/omeys PATENTED JAH 2 3 I975 SHEET 13UF14 TANCHO D. GEORGIEV ROBERT M. SCANZANI /nvenf0rs 5y CESAR! 8 McKENNAAl/omeys PA-TENTED JAR 23 I975 SHEET NW 14 FIG. 26

TANCHO D. GEORGIEV ROBERT M. SCANZANI FIG, a, CESARI a fi NNA A l/orneysMODULAR BUILDING CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Inrecent years, with the cost of building construction rising at a rapidrate, a number of arrangements have been proposed for reducing cost byconstructing part or all of a structure off the site, with the structurethen being assembled and erected on the site. This permits much of theactual construction work to be done in a central location where the useof factory-type production techniques provides for substantially greaterefficiency than fabrication at the building site.

These techniques generally take one of several forms. For example, theentire structure may be constructed at the factory and delivered in twoor three units that are assembled together at the building site. Each ofthe units comes completely equipped with wall panels and underlyingstructural members in place; even the electrical, plumbing and heatingsystems are to a large extent incorporated into the prefabricatedstructure. While this technique is widely used, it is largely limited torelatively small units such as single-family dwellings, althoughattempts have been made to extend it to medium and high rise structures.Also, each manufacturer can provide only a limited number of differentmodels if he is to obtain the benefits of mass production.

In another arrangement that has been proposed for multiple storystructures such as apartment buildings, a series of modulescorresponding to rooms or parts thereof are placed side by side andstacked to form the successive stories of the building. Gaps between theadjacent modules are filled with concrete to provide a structuralframework. Among the drawbacks of this system is the need for relativelygreat structural strength in the modules. Also, it is not so simple toprovide both connections to the various utilities, i.e., heat,electricity, water, etc., and subsequent servicing of those connections.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention toprovide an improved structural system involving off-site prefabricationof building components. A more specific object of the invention is toprovide a structural system that is suitable for the assembly anderection of multiple-story structures such as apartment houses, officebuildings, hospitals, etc., as well as smaller structures such assingle-family dwellings, restaurants, gas stations and the like.

Another object of the invention is to provide a structural systemcomprised of prefabricated building components with which themanufacturer of the components can efficiently accommodate a largenumber of different building designs and layouts.

Another object of the invention is to provide a system in which thebuilding components, in their unassembled state, can be transportedreadily to any site relatively unencumbered by limitations on thetransportation system.

A further object of the invention is to provide a structural systemcharacterized by ease and speed of assembly and erection at the buildingsite.

Another object is to provide a prefabricated structural system in whichloads are efficiently distributed throughout the finished structure.

Other objects will in part be obvious and in part pointed outhereinafter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Our structural system is one in which theprefabricated modules corresponding to habitation areas such as roomsand the like are supported on a separate framework, the individualmembers of the framework-also being modular and prefabricated. Theframework also defines vertical and horizontal passages required forutilities, corridors, elevators, etc.

The use of habitation modules that are supported on a separate frameworkrather than on other habitation modules provides a number of significantadvantages. In the first place, the habitation modules can be relativelylight in weight, since, in general, they support only their own weightand the interior loads imposed on them. Moreover, they can have opensides and ends so that a series of adjacent modules can definerelatively large unobstructed spaces.

Other advantages are inherent in the resulting efficiency ofconstruction. For example, the habitation modules do not rest on oneanother, they are vertically spaced apart to provide space forhorizontal runs of the various utilities. These spaces can also be largeenough to provide access for maintenance. After a habitation module hasbeen set into place, the electrical, plumbling and heating connectionscan easily be made through either the top or bottom panel of the module.

Another factor making for ease of erection is simultaneous erection ofthe framework and positioning of the habitation modules. That is, in theerection of each building the framework that supports a given story isassembled together. Then the habitation modules and framework in thatstory are assembled to the structure. The utilities are then broughtinto the modules, after which the supporting framework for the nextstory is erected. This arrangement provides an unobstructed space forcranes to efficiently move the modules, framework and utility networksinto position.

The invention is also applicable to smaller structures and in thisconnection we note that a relatively small number of different types ofhabitation modules can be assembled in a wide variety of configurationsto provide a large number of different layouts. This permits amanufacturer to obtain high efficiency even though he provides hiscustomers with a wide choice of building designs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspectiveview of a multiple-story structure embodying the invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary transversesection of the structure, taken in theplane 22 of FIG. 1 and illustrating the lower part of the structure;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the framework of the structure of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3A and 3B depict the arrangement used to couple and fasten thegirders in the framework of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary transverse section of a modification of thestructure of FIG. I; this figure also shows the manner in which thehabitation modules of FIG. I interfit with the framework;

FIGS. 5a, 5b and 5c are simplified perspective views of habitationmodules that may be incorporated in a structure embodying the invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the framework that may be used in theend frames of habitation module of FIG. 7;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a habitation module;

FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C are head, jamb and sill sections, respectively, ofthe module of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary view from above a pair of habitation modules,illustrating an arrangement for fastening the modules together;

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of another habitation module;

FIGS. 11a, 11b and 110 are head, jamb and sill sections, respectively,of the module of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary vertical section illustrating the inclusion ofa window panel infill in an end frame of the module of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary top view showing how modules of the type shownin FIG. 10 may be fastened together;

FIGS. 14, 15 and 16 illustrate various roof treatments that may beapplied to the habitation modules;

FIG. 17 is an exploded view of another arrangement of the framework of amultiple-story structure embodying the invention;

FIG. 18 is a fragmentary, partly exploded viewof another multiple-storystructure embodying the invention;

FIG. 19 is a set of fragmentary transverse sections of the structure ofFIG. 18;

'FIG. 20 is an exploded view of a habitation module that may be used inthe structure of FIG. 18;

FIG. 21 is a fragmentary perspective view of a singlestory structureembodying the invention;

FIG. 22 is a transverse section of the single-story building of FIG. 2,illustrating also the alternate use of flat and pitched roofs;

FIG. 23 is an exploded view of a habitation module used in the structureof FIG. 21;

FIG. 24 illustrates an alternative top for the module of FIG. 23

FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram of the layout of a structure generally ofthe type depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 26 is a fragmentary schematic diagram of an alternative layout; and

FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram of yet another layout.

Referring first to FIG. 1, a representative structure embodying theinvention comprises a set of habitation modules 10a, 10b and 100supported on a frame comprising horizontal girders 12, locking units 14,and modular columns 160 and 16b. The girders 12 are supported on thecolumns 16 and the habitation modules 10 in turn rest directly on thegirders 12. The locking units 14 tie together and are supported by thecolumns 16. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, each lockingunit is an integration of a habitation module and sections of a pair ofcolumns 16. In the following description, we shall term the direction ofthe girders 12, the longitudinal direction and the direction of thelocking units 14 the transverse direction, althoughthe building may beconstructed with a dimension in the transverse direction greater thanthat in the longitudinal direction. Also various details are notspecifically shown in FIG. 1 for reasons of clarity and ease ofillustration. For example the components of the modular columns and 161)are locked together and rigidified by reinforcing cages as shown at 43in FIG. 3.

Certain features of the invention are immediately apparent frominspection of FIG. 1. Although the struc- I ture has several tiers orstories as illustratively indicated as 18, 20, and 22, the habitationmodules 10 of each story are structurally isolated from those in thestories immediately above and below. Thus each module 10 need supportonly itself and its contents. Moreover, there is accessible space 24between the gir-' ders 12 that support each row of adjoining modules 10.The horizontal spaces 24 communicate with vertical passages 26 withinthecolumns 16 to accommodate a network of utilities connected to thevarious modules 10.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate the details of the framework of the structure.Each of the columns 16 is comprised of a series of bearing blocks 30 andintermediate end bearings 28, the latter being parts of the lockingunits 14. The locking units are further formed with upper and lowertransverse beams 31a and 31b integral with the end bearings 28. Thus,the end bearings 28 and beams 31a and 31b define an interior space 14athat substantially conforms to the interior dimensions of adjacenthabitation modules 10 (FIG. 1).

The exterior columns 16a are of single depth (transverse direction) andthe interior columns 16b and their component parts are of double depthto accommodate the double loads imposed thereon. Each end bearing 28 inan exterior column 16a has a vertical aperture 32 that is a segment ofone of the vertical passages 26. A second aperture 33, disposedoutwardly of the aperture 32 is used for structural purposes asdescribed below. At the other end of each of the locking units 14 are asimilar pair of apertures 34 and 35. The girders 12 rest on thick wallsections 36 between the space 14a and the apertures 32 and 34. At theinterior ends of the locking units 14, the end walls 37 are reduced inheight to aid in assembly and interlocking of the structure as describedbelow.

With reference to FIG. 3, each of the bearing blocks 30 in the exteriorcolumns 16a is a U-shaped member having apertures 32a and 33a inregister with the apertures 32 and 33 in the end bearings 28. Theinterior side of the aperture 32a is open to provide communicationbetween the vertical passages 26 in the columns 16a and the horizontalspaces 24 (FIG. 1). As shown in FIG. 3, one may use a similararrangement at each of the interior columns 16b, with a double bearingblock 300, in effect, comprising a pair of bearing blocks, positionedback-to-back and having apertures 34a and 35a.

Alternatively, the bearing blocks 30c may be constructed to providedirect access in the longitudinal direction (FIG. I from the verticalpassages 26.

Still referring to FIG. 3, the girders 12 are secured end-to-end bymeans of couplers 38 that join the ends of reinforcing rods used topre-tension the girders.

As shown in FIG. 30 each girder end is terminated by a channel 40 whichis a part of a coupler 38 and is also a part of the pretensioningassembly of the girder l2; specifically, it is joined to one or morereinforcing rods within the girder. Each channel 40'has a plurality ofbolt clearance holes 400 that register with threaded tie loop inserts40b (FIG. 3) in the end bearings 28-when the girder is in place. Boltspassingthrough the holes 400 and corresponding holes 40c in lockingplates 40d are screwed into the tie loop inserts 40b to secure thegirders 12 in place.

With reference to FIG. 3b, each girder 12 also contains apost-tensioning cable or rod 39a loosely fitted therein. The ends ofthese rods 39a extending from successive girders can be drawn up andcoupled together by a post-tensioning coupling 39b. The rods 39aterminating at the ends of the building are suitably secured to the endwalls thus providing a unitary tension member through the girderscontaining the rods 39a. This arrangement ties each string of girde'rs12 together so that to some extent they perform as a single long beam,thereby increasing the load-carry capacity of the girders.

Referring next to FIG. 2, to erect the structure, a lower sub-structuremay first be formed by erecting a base framework 41 on bearing blockswhich make the union of the modularized columns 16 with the foundation.

Habitation modules and locking units with their integral end bearings 28are then moved into place, after which workmen, using the tops of themodules 10 as a platform, make utility connections through the tops ofthese modules. Next, a layer of bearing blocks 30 and girders 12 aresecured in place (see also FIGS. 1 and 3), after which the habitationmodules 10 of the next story are placed on top of the girders 12. Thecycle is then repeated until the structure is completed.

With reference to FIG. 3, the components of the respective columns arelocked together and rigidified by means of vertical columnar reinforcingcages 43 that are inserted into the apertures 33 and 33a in the endbearings 28 and bearing blocks 30. The cages 43 in each column 16 areconnected together to form a unitary reinforcing network for a concretecore that is poured into the apertures 33 and 33a.

Also, as shown in FIG. 3, abutting short walls 37 of the interior andbearings 28 permit the use of bridging reinforcement members between thecolumnar reinforcing cages 43 extending through the adjacent apertures35 of abutting locking units 14 and the corresponding apertures 35a ofthe bearing blocks 30.

These bridging members, together with the core concrete in the spacesabove the short walls 37, provide a monolithic system that looks theunits 14 together end-to-end. I

Compressible. bearing pads shown at 3611 in FIG. 3 are disposed on topof the walls 36 to distribute stresses associated with loading by thegirders 12. Also the bottoms of the end bearings 28 are suitably shapedto provide clearance above the girders l2 and couplers 38 and therebyaccommodate deflection of the girders under load.

FIG. 4 illustrates the preferred arrangement for locking the habitationmodules in the transverse direction. Each of the girders 12 is formedwith longitudinal top and bottom shoulders 12a and 12b. The bottom edgesof the modules 10 interfit with the shoulders 12a. The top edges of themodules 10 have notches that loosely conform with the shoulders 12b.

Compressible bearing pad gaskets 45 support the habitation modules 10 onthe girders l2. Resilient caulking 45a is provided along the tops ofhabitation modules 10 to fill the gaps between them and the girders 12.The purposeof these gaps is to prevent the transfer of loads from eachstory to the modules 10 in the story below. This separation alsominimizes the acoustical coupling between each module 10 and the modulesabove and below it.

As further shown in FIG. 1, each longitudinally extending row ofhabitation modules 10 spans the longitudinal distance between successivecolumns 16. Each row may be interrupted, as shown, by locking units 14.However, the interior spaces 14a (FIG. 3) of the locking units 14 serveas integral parts of the interiors of the rows of modules 10. Thus, onemay, if desired, obtain a clear interior span the entire length of thebuilding.

In the structure of FIG. 1, each pair of rows of habitation modules 10,i.e., in the longitudinal direction, is separated by the depth of aninterior column 16b. Slabs 44 and 46 may be laid down to provide floorsand ceilings co-planar with the floors and ceilings of the habitationmodules and thereby integrate this space into the spaces defined by themodules 10. Alternatively, the top and bottom panels of the habitationmodules 10 may be cantilevered to integrally replace slabs 44 and 46.

Similarly, as shown schematically in FIG. 25, the recessed aspect of thebuilding facade may be eliminated by cantilevers of the modules 10 thatextend to the outer surfaces of the outer columns 16a. In that case, theentire longitudinal span from column to column, at the outer surface ofthe building, will have not external columns or posts, which permits avariety of desirable architectual effects.

A flush outer surface may also be provided by positioning the outercolumns 16 inboard of the structure,

with the girders 12 in register with outer walls of theend bearings 28.FIG. 25 also schematically illustrates the layout of a buildingincorporating this arrangement.

In another arrangement, one may construct the habitation modules 10 fordirect connection end-toend as schematically shown in FIG. 26,eliminating the spaces between rows of the modules. FIG. 4 illustratesdetails of this arrangement. Pairs of interior girders 12 are positionedadjacent to each other so that the modules 10 supported on these girdersare connected back-to-back. A single girder may be substituted for thispair if desirable. In this arrangement the interior columns 16b (FIG. 3)are suitably modified to accommodate the elimination of the intermodulespace.

Referring next to FIGS. 5a, 5b and 5c, the modules 10 have widths thatare preferably based on an integral number of units, one unit being thewidth of the module 10a. The module 10b is two units wide and the moduleis three units wide. Although a variation in module width is notnecessary, it will generally be found desirable for both practical andaesthetic reasons.

Each of the modules 10 has a floor panel 48 and a ceiling panel 50interconnecting a pair of end frames 52 and 54 which can be identical asshown. The end frames also may include closure panels, windows or doors,or they may be left open as required for the interior layout of thestructure. In FIG. 1 the end frames 52 are used as window frames on theexterior of the structure. The modules 10 can be completely constructedat an offsite factory, or alternatively, to conserve shipping cost, thepanels and end frames can be constructed offsite and assembled at thebuilding site. To some extent a degree of prefabrication of themechanical systems can be incorporated into these subassemblies duringtheir manufacture.

FIG. 6 and 7 illustrate details of the frames 52 and 54 and panels 48and 50. Each frame 52 or 54 has a framework (FIG. 6) comprising upperand lower horizontal angle plates 55 and 56 welded to vertical channels57. The framework is preferably welded to reinforcing members 53 forconcrete that fills out the rest of the frame (FIG. 7). The floorandceiling panels 48 and 50 may also be identical. Each panel is made ofreinforced concrete, with angle plates 58 at the ends welded to thereinforcing.

To assemble a module 10, the panels 48 and 50 and frames 52 and 54 arefitted together with the angle plates 58 nested in the plates 55 and 56.The angle plates 58 are then welded to the plates 55 and 56 along thelengths of their parallel edges. Finally a sill S is second to theunderside of frame 52. FIGS. 8d, 8b, and 8c are of head, jamb and sillsections of an assembled habitation module 10, with the sill S omittedfor reasons of clarity.

FIG. 9 shows the manner in which the habitation modules 10 of FIGS. 6-8are locked together. Each of the channels 57 has an inwardly inclinedside so that the mouth of the channel is narrower than the interior.When the modules 10 are put in place on the building,

' the channels 57 of adjacent modules register with each other and aninterlocking key 59 can then be dropped into the two grooves to hold themodules together. The remaining space in the grooves is then preferablypumped full of non-shrinking grout to maintain a rigid inter-moduleconnection. Preferably resilient gaskets 60 are included betweenadjacent end frames 52 on the outer surface of the building to seal theinterior against moisture.

When the system of FIG. 4 is used, the same arrangement can be used tolock habitation modules together end-to-end, i.e., in the transversedirection of the buildmg.

Alternatively, the habitation modules may be constructed with performedside frames instead of, or in addition to, the end frames.

FIGS. 10-13 illustrate another embodiment of the habitation modules 10.The end frames 62 and 64 are entirely of metal; the floor and ceilingpanels 66 and 68 have metal frames, with corrugated bottoms on whichconcrete has been cast. The panels 66 and 68 are welded to the frames 62and 64 along the lengths of their two parallel edges as shown in FIGS.11 and 12.

FIGS. 11a, 11b and 11c are head, jamb and sill sections illustrating aframe 62 in a finished module fitted with a glass pane 70. The pane 70is fastened-to'aweb 62a on the frame by means of a preformed gasket 72.

FIG. 12 shows how a glass pane 74 contained within an infill panel 76 isfitted to a frame 62.

As shown in FIG. 13, the frames 62 and tw n.

jacent habitation modules of the FIG. 10 type can systems. The members112 are installed on suitable joints and the fastenings may then becoveredby a premolded closure strip 63.

FIG. 17 illustrates a modification of the structure of FIG. 3 in whichthe elements of the locking units 14 are separate, rather than integralwith each other. These elements are assembled to each other and to theother structural components as the building is erected.

FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate a variation of the multiplestory structure inwhich habitation modules 87 are located on every other floor. As shownin FIG. 18, the floors containing the habitation modules 87 areseparated bybearing blocks 88 and 90 having a length corresponding tothe height of a story. Instead of the girders 12 of FIG. 3, thestructure of FIG. 18 has trusses 92 that rest on integral end bearings96 of locking units 94. The trusses 92 have the height of a story sothat each set of trusses defines a story between a pair of storiesoccupied by the modules 10. In this case, each story defined by thetrusses 92 has, as its floor, the tops of the modules 10 and lockingunits 94 below and, as its ceiling, the bottoms of the modules 10 andlocking units 94 above. The modules 10 and locking units 94 thussupport, in addition to their own weight and contents, the buildingcontents disposed immediately above them.

The end bearings 96 of FIG. 18 are somewhat reduced in height, insimilar fashion to the end bearings 28 of FIG. 3. The difference inheight is taken up by extra height of the bearing blocks 88 and 90. Thisprovides nesting of the trusses 92 between the blocks 88 and shoulders98 on the locking units 94 to securely position the bottom members ofthe trusses. The tops of the trusses 92 are similarly secured betweenthe bearing blocks 88 and shoulders 100 formed in the bottoms of thelocking units 94.

The ends of abutting trusses 92 are secured together by suitablecouplers 102.

As shown in FIG. 19, the joints between the modules 87 and the trusses92 at each floor line (FIG. 19a) and (FIG. 19b) are covered by closuremembers 104 providing sill and lintel functions. The spaces thusenclosed may be utilized for mechanical systems when the trusses 92 aremade of steel, for example. The vertical elements 91 of trusses 92(FIGS. 18 and 19), may be covered with suitable closure panels 93, asshown in FIG. 19.

The habitation module 87 illustrated in FIG. 20 is suitable for thestructure of FIG. 18. It has end frames 78 and floor and ceiling panels82 and 84 that are made of reinforced concrete. Upper tabs 78a on theframes may be made of metal so as to be welded to metal inserts inrecesses 840 at the ends of the ceiling panels 84. Similarly, metalparts (not shown) on tabs 82a extending from the floor panel 82 may bewelded into place in recesses 78b at the bottoms of the frames 78.

The panels 82and 84 of FIG. 20 have a waffled" construction. This notonly lightens these panels, itprovides knockout panels that can readilybe pierced or removed to conduct utilities into the interior of thehabitation module. Moreover, the waffling provides recesses in whichvarious fixtures can be positioned.

FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrate the application of the invention to a singlestory structure. Habitation units rest on spaced-apart U-shaped bearingmembers 112 which also receive and distribute the mechanical footings.As shown in FIG. 21, an interior corridor is formed by the erection of apartition 114.

In the structure of FIG. 21, the floor and ceiling panels 116 and 118 ofthe habitation units 110 are exposed to the elements. Therefore, it isnecessary to provide them with strength to resist snow loads, etc.,(panels 118) and to provide some thermal insulation. Accordingly, theyare preferably cast as shown in FIG. 23 with a series of ribs and voidsor channels that provide strength and, at the same time, the insulatingvalue of dead air spaces. In other particulars, the modules 110 areessentially identical with the modules 10 of FIG. 7. The sill 120 shownin FIGS. 23 and 21 is designed to be used in combination with a windowinfill.

FIG. 24 illustrates a frame 122 which is a variation of the ceilingpanel 118 for incorporation into a habitation module 110. The frame 122may be fitted with a transparent or translucent panel to admit lightfrom above.

A series of habitation units 110 incorporating frames 122 create anarcade or sun-screened pergola.

The plates 124 of FIGS. 21 and 22 are used as the upper part of thefacade of the building. They are supported in place by means of integralflanges 124a.

A pitched roof may also be installed on a building embodying theinvention. This is shown as an alternate arrangement in FIG. 22, whereina roof of this type is assembled from interfitting precast sections 126and 128. The sections are secured to the tops of the habitation modules10, 110, etc. by angled tabs 130. Facias 132, integral with the sections126 and 128, cover the upper joints of the habitation modules. FIGS. 14,15, and 16 illustrate other roofing arrangements that may be applied tothe habitation modules.

The invention is applicable to many layouts in addition to thosespecifically described above. This can be seen by comparing FIGS. 25 and27. In FIG. 26 there is a space between the parallel rows of habitationmodules 10, as in FIG. 1. FIG. 26 schematically illustrates the layoutof a structure of the type shown in FIG. 4, in which the habitationmodules 10 are connected end-'to-end as well as side-by-side.

FIG. 27 illustrates the layout of a tower-type structure embodying theinvention. The modules 10, which extend both longitudinally andtransversely, as shown, are disposed around a central core. They rest ona system of girders or trusses which run in both directions and whichare supported on columns 142 of the same general type as previouslydescribed. The illustrated tower also includes void spaces 144 at thecorners for use as part of the mechanical system of the building.

It will be apparent that one may make a number of modifications withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention. These include monolithicconstruction of the habitation modules instead of their assembly frompre-built panels and frames. Also, of course, the habitation modules canbe manufactured from high strength reinforced plastics or other suitablematerials or combinations of these materials. In addition modulecomponents can be secured together by other means such as bolts oradhesives. Further granolithic slabs can be applied to any or all thefloors if desired, an example of this being the floor 146 in FIG. 4.Moreover, depending on the particular structure, shear walls or othersuitable diagonal bracing can be applied at the ends of the building, inthe locking units 14 (FIG. 1) or elsewhere as required.

The invention is not limited to the construction of fulhsize buildings.In other words. the various components can be miniaturized so that onemay assemble small-scale replicas of the full-sized structures. This isdone quite readily and the invention therefore greatly assists thearchitect in designing structures of the above type without the costlymodel building often associated with architectural design. Indeed, kitsof small scale components can be used as teaching aids or even aseducational toys.

It will be apparent from the foregoing then that our structural systemhas great flexibility of design. As such, it can be used to erect largebuildings, such as multi-story office and apartment buildings, as wellas smaller single-family dwellings, garages and the like. Whatever thesize of the building, our system distributes the imposed loadsefficiently throughout the completed structure.

With all its structural advantages, our system also results in aconsiderable'cost-saving as compared with prior building systems. Moreparticularly, the habitation modules can be assembled easily at thebuilding site. Consequently, they can be shipped unassembled, therebyconserving shipping costs. Also, increased costs due to damage intransit are minimized because an unassembled unit is less likely to bedamaged than a fully assembled one.

Even further savings arise because of the reduced requirement forspecial building trades or skills at the construction site and the factthat the builder can purchase the various building components fromcompeting suppliers thereof. Such competition for the supply ofidentical modular components obviously has a restraining effect oncosts.

Still further, the invention facilitates accurate prediction of the costof the structure, since the purchase cost of the components and theamount of labor required are both readily predictable. This, in turn,permits the extensive use of computers, both in estimating costs and asan aid in designing the structures themselves. In other words, thevarious building components can be stored in the memory of the computerand the designer can then instruct the computer to assemble them in avisual display in any manner he wishes. In this way, he can obtain aninstantaneous view of the building he is designing.

It will thus be seen that the object set forth above, among those madeapparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained and,since certain changes may be made in the above construction withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention, it is intended that allmatter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanyingdrawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limitingsense.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended tocover all of the generic and specific features of the invention hereindescribed.

We claim:

1. A multiple story building comprising A. a framework, including 1. aplurality of vertically-extending columns spaced apart from each otherboth longitudinally and transversely and formed from a stack ofsuccessively joined bearing members 2. horizontally extending supportmembers extending between longitudinally spaced columns and supportedthereby,

1. A multiple story building comprising A. a framework, including
 1. a plurality of vertically-extending columns spaced apart from each other both longitudinally and transversely and formed from a stack of successively joined bearing members
 2. horizontally extending support members extending between longitudinally spaced columns and supported thereby,
 3. first bearing members of columns associated with said horizontal support members, and
 4. a plurality of locking units interconnecting transversely spaced columns, each of said locking units being formed from a pair of end sections forming second bearing members of columns and having transverse vertically spaced plates interconnecting said first members and defining with said members an opensided space, and B. rows of space-enclosing modules abutting side-by-side along said pair of support members and resting thereon, said modules being supported by said framework independently of any modules above or below.
 2. horizontally extending support members extending between longitudinally spaced columns and supported thereby,
 2. A building according to claim 1 in which the end sections and the transverse spaced plates of said locking units are formed integral with each other.
 2. having top and bottom panels substantially coplanar with said upper and lower locking plates, and
 2. a plurality of locking units interconnecting said columns in the transverse direction, each of said locking units comprising i. upper and lower locking plates spaced apart by substantially the height of a story of said structure, and ii. bearing units interconnecting said locking plates at the ends thereof,
 3. having vertical end frames extending longitudinally,
 3. horizontal support members interconnecting said columns in the longitudinal direction and being supported by the bearing blocks forming said columns, and B. a plurality of space-enclosing modules
 3. A building according to claim 1 in which the first and second bearing members have passages extending therethrough which are vertically aligned when said members are joined into columns to thereby provide a vertical passageway for utilities.
 3. first bearing members of columns associated with said horizontal support members, and
 4. a plurality of locking units interconnecting transversely spaced columns, each of said locking units being formed from a pair of end sections forming second bearing members of columns and having transverse vertically spaced plates interconnecting said first members and defining with said members an open-sided space, and B. rows of space-enclosing modules abutting side-by-side along said pair of support members and resting thereon, said modules being supported by said framework independently of any modules above or below.
 4. A building according to claim 1 in which the support members space said modules in the vertical direction and provide a horizontally extending void between said modules for utilities.
 4. connected together side-by-side to provide a longitudinally extending row of modules supported on said framework
 5. interior ones of said modules having open side walls providing access from module to module.
 5. A building according to claim 4 in which the second bearing members have horizontally extending passages opening into said void whereby utilities may enter said void from said bearing members.
 6. A building according to claim 1 in whiCh pairs of vertically spaced support members define therebetween separate stories of said building, groups of modules being placed on successive vertically spaced support members to form habitation spaces at each story.
 7. A building according to claim 1 in which pairs of vertically spaced support members define therebetween separate stories of said building, groups of modules being placed on alternate vertically spaced support members to form habitation spaces from the interior of said modules on stories occupied by said modules and from the roofs of modules at one storey and the floors of modules at the next higher storey at intermediate stories not occupied by said modules.
 8. A building according to claim 7 including vertical end plates for said intermediate stories.
 9. A building according to claim 1 in which at least some of said modules have open sides aligned with the opening between the vertically spaced plates of said locking units to thereby define an open-sided habitation space extending through said locking units and said modules.
 10. The building defined in claim 1 in which A. said support members and the space-enclosing modules in successive stories of said building define horizontal passages, and B. said columns include vertical passages communicating with said horizontal passages.
 11. The building defined in claim 10 A. in which said columns further include second bearing units alternated with said first bearing units and substantially coextensive in height with said support members, and B. in which said second bearing units include openings from said vertical passages to said horizontal passages.
 12. A building structure according to claim 1 in which each said space-enclosing module comprises A. a top panel B. a bottom panel C. first and second end frames, D. means for joining said panels and frames to provide a module in which said panels define horizontal planes and said frames define vertical planes of the space enclosed by the module.
 13. The combination defined in claim 12 in which at least one of said frames is arranged to include an infill panel alternatively in the form of a window, a door, or an opaque panel.
 14. The combination defined in claim 13 including means for joining together abutting modules assembled from sets of said components.
 15. A multiple storey structure comprising A. a framework including
 16. The structure defined in claim 15 including means for coupling said horizontal support members end-to-end in strings thereof. 